There's just something so soothing about peppermint. From spa treatments and teas to hot chocolates and mochas, we look at it as our go-to fix to carry us through all the busy holiday happenings. Skip that Starbucks trip and come in from the cold with these three local peppermint-infused dishes sure to get your jollies jiving this winter season.
Around the Corner’s The Dirty Grinch ($12)
This cocktail from the Lakewood spot’s pop-up Christmas Corner Bar is a mean one. Made with Smirnoff vanilla vodka, creme de menthe, creme de cacao, cream and chocolate drizzle, it’s bound to knock you down a few pegs. “We wanted to create a holiday drink that went along with the decor of the room,” says Around the Corner manager Ryan Krivosh.18616 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-4413, atccafe.com
Cleveland Cookie Dough Co.’s Peppermint Mocha Cookie Dough ($5-$10)
Cleveland Cookie Dough Co. will warm even the coldest of hearts this holiday season. Co-owners Vicki and Steve Kotris add Ghirardelli white-chocolate peppermint pieces into dark- chocolate cookie dough before topping it off with peppermint flakes and white chocolate drizzle. “It’s still got that nice crunch, but it’s super creamy and chocolatey,” says Vicki. clecookiedough.com
R. Shea Brewing’s Peppermint Milk Stout ($5.50)
This smooth seasonal brew is ramping up to be a solid competi- tor to any go-to Christmas ale. Served in a 13-ounce snifter, it’s as creamy as other milk stouts but still has a refreshing kick. “It’s got a lot of roasted components,” owner Ronald Shea says. “But it stays a little bit sweeter than a regular beer because of the lactose.” 540 S. Main St., Suite 214, Akron, 234-571-5036; 1662 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-794- 5654, rsheabrewing.com
